Contemplative Practice: Lectio Divina

Bobbie Jo lead us through the ancient practice of lectio divina or "divine reading". Below is the format we followed as we contemplated a passage from St. Mark: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. " (Mark 1:35)

Soul’s Compass: Listening for God through Sacred Reading
Lectio Divina Shared in Community

LISTENING FOR THE GENTLE TOUCH OF CHRIST THE WORD
The First Reading
Listen for a word or passage that touches your heart, something particular that draws you. Gently recite and ponder that word or phrase during the silence which follows.

After the silence we will share briefly which word or phrase has touched our hearts.
Note: Anyone may “pass” at any time during sharing.


HOW CHRIST THE WORD SPEAKS TO ME
The Second Reading
Allow the text to interact with your life today. Visualize. In other words, how is Christ the Word touching your own life? How are you seeing or hearing Christ reach out to you through the text?

Then, after the silence, each member of the group shares briefly what he or she has “heard” or “seen.”


WHAT CHRIST THE WORD INVITES ME TO DO
The Third and final reading
Experience Christ “calling you forth” into doing or being. What is Christ in the text calling you to do or to become today or this week?

After the silence, we will share the results of reflection.

Bobbie leads "Soul's Compass" a monthly gathering to practice lectio divina. She borrowed the format above from a Benedictine Monastery's website at http://www.valyermo.com/ld-art.html